Colleges on Long Island, Colleges in New York

HOPES HIGH FOR 2009 BASEBALL SEASON

With fourteen returning players and seven newcomers to date, the Seahawk baseball team has high hopes for the 2009 season. The team has received bids in each of the last three years to play for the USCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (which they won in 2006). Head Coach Gary Puccio fully expects to be playing for the title again when May of 2009 rolls around. He points to a much more experienced squad.

"Last year we started five freshmen almost every game, and still managed to win 20 games. The team is much more experienced this year, and I expect improvements in a lot of areas," the skipper noted. "We might not have the depth level yet that I would like as of yet, but we keep moving in the right direction."

The pitching staff certainly has that depth. Returning ALL five starters from last year, the team expects each of them to improve. Headed by 2 All-Americans -- junior ace Lee Ranta (7-1 last year) and senior Drew Raschen (winning pitcher of the 2006 National Championship Game), the staff shows both experience and success. Matt Gelormino (4-5) showed great promise, starting seven of ten games against Division II opponents. Rick Doht, who pitched a complete game victory in his first collegiate start vs. Mercy College, has recovered from his injury and is expected to pick up right where he left off. Sam Braverman, who had a standout year at the plate, is expected to start as well. Jason Castillo (3 wins) and Antonacci (3 wins) can start if necessary but are expected to anchor the bullpen along with James Aspenleiter and Tom Guarini (both injured last season). Lefthander Rafael Perez is expected to return as well. Newcomers Gabe Errrmarino (Glen Cove HS), Dave Darcy (Island Trees HS), and Vin Aprano (North Babylon's ace in 2008) are expected to contribute greatly as well.

The infield returns the best young DP combo around -- Reggie Smith and Mike Rocco. The duo combined for 18 double plays last year, including quite a few sparklers. Smith was also one the team leaders offensively, hitting over .300. Rocco, who had to fill in for injured All-American Francis Santos, sparkled in the field and hit over .300 the second half of the season. All American Dan Rodriguez, a lifetime .300 hitter at Briarcliffe, returns as well. Rodriguez will see action both at first base and in the outfield. High hopes abound as well that Drew Raschen will return to the offensive force that made him an All American in 2006. All-County newcomers Dave Darcy and Gabe Errmarino will handle the hot corner along with Senior Scott Rader.

Rader, incidentally will move into the number one spot behind the plate. Newcomers Steve Shea and Anthony Megias will also see action there as well. Shea has been a highly sought after catcher, and Megias defensively is one of the best receivers around. Despite the loss of Captain and 2006 MVP Frankie Reyes, defense behind the plate should be a Seahawk strength in 2009.

Sam Braverman, who led the team in home runs in 2008, returns to right field for his sophomore campaign. Braverman hit over .300 as a freshman, including 6 home runs. Newcomers Tom Locrotondo and Tim Cogliettas (both from Suffolk Selden) will roam the outfield as well for the Seahawks. Locrotondo is expected to play numerous positions in the infield as well. Coglietta will take over in centerfield for All American Dan O'Brien, no easy task. However, Coglietta comes with great credentials, and Coach Puccio says simply, "I have been blessed with a tremendous centerfielder the past three years. I firmly believe that tradition will continue with Tim." Vin Aprano and Jason Castillo should also see some time in the outfield for the Seahawks.

Drew Raschen will return as co-captain for Briarcliffe, being joined this year by Jason Castillo. Castillo, in his third year with the Seahawks, has always proven to be one of those players who rises to the occasion. Puccio calls him "respected by everyone who wears a BC uniform – both players and coaches." Speaking of coaches, the staff returns in its entirety – third base coach Enver Lopez (6th year), catching/first base coach John Mehling (2nd year) and bullpen coach Matt Rocchio (2nd year).

The team will play its home games at PAL COMPLEX in Holbrook, NY, just 2 miles from the Patchogue Campus. The home opener is tentatively scheduled for March 21, 2009 vs. Concordia College. The doubleheader will begin at 12:00 noon. Come on out and support the Seahawks as they battle for their fourth straight tournament bid!

View 2008 Men's Baseball Schedule and Roster